Rainstorms on 5 May 2003

Under the influence of an active southerly airstream, periods of heavy rain and squally thunderstorms occurred over the territory this morning. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the Amber Rainstorm Warning at 1:45 a.m. Initially heavy rain affected mainly the New Territory and the Special Announcement on Flooding in northern New Territories was issued at 2:45 a.m. As heavy rain became more widespread, the Red Rainstorm Warning was issued at 4:45 a.m., and the Landslip Warning at 7:30 a.m. Later on, with the weakening of the rainstorm, the Special Announcement on Flooding in northern New Territories was cancelled at 11:50 a.m. The Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal was issued at 2:10 p.m. to replace the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal. The Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal was cancelled at 3:20 p.m.

Since midnight, more than 100 mm of rainfall were recorded over most parts of Hong Kong. Over 350 mm were recorded at Yuen Long, Kam Tin, Shek Kong, Fanling, Tai Po, and Tai Lam Chung. In particular, the raingauge station at Kadoorie Farm recorded the highest rainfall of 426 mm (up to 4:00 p.m.). This is also the highest daily rainfall recorded at this raingauge station since record began in 2000.

A rainfall distribution map for today (up to 4 p.m.) is attached.

Showers, heavy at times and a few squally thunderstorms are expected for tonight and tomorrow morning.

For the latest weather forecast, please refer to the following webpages:
http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/currwx/flw.htm (local weather forecast) and
http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/currwx/f5d.htm (5-day weather forecast).

A rainfall distribution map for today (up to 4 p.m.)